Meet the Team

at Pioneers

Ralph Blackbourn:

‘I've been volunteering as a leader for over 20 years, and before that I was a member since I was an Elfin. My favourite activities are ones which bring energy to a session, as well as those that make everyone think.

The best night on camp is bivvi night where we build a shelter, sleep under the stars and cook our own breakfast as a group. I love music and play the piano, and I can often be found strumming a guitar around the campfire.’

A smiling man with long hair and sunglasses on his head taking a selfie outside a garage filled with stored items.

Gerry Kaspers:

I love being part of Woodcraft, spending time with people and children of all ages who like playing games, being outdoors, building camp fires and singing. I love doing crafts of all kinds and making things.


Amanda Taylor:

‘I joined Woodcraft myself when I was 10 years old. I’m now very much older!! For about 10 years, I have been one of the leaders who run the Pioneer group.

I work as a part time English teacher, so have always enjoyed talking to and listening young people. I enjoy our Thursday evening meet ups where we build relationships with young people. We do a range of activities from discussing how we can make the world a better place, to making and wearing cardboard hats! The Woodcraft Folk gives young people an opportunity to play, be totally silly, be very serious, find out who they are and discover their place in the world in a safe, friendly, but most of all non-judgemental environment.

I always come away from group nights feeling inspired by the amazing young people who choose to commit to Woodcraft.

‘‘Youth is not wasted on the young’’ is one of our core beliefs that I wholeheartedly support.

Come and visit us, try a session and help us to Span the World with friendship!’

A smiling woman with short gray hair wearing a black top with lace details, sitting at a table inside a warmly lit room with wooden paneling and stained glass windows.
A smiling woman with short gray hair wearing a black top with lace details, sitting at a table inside a warmly lit room with wooden paneling and stained glass windows.

Ben Zass-Bangham:

‘I grew up in Teddington, and have been a Woodcraft Folk member since I was 7. Both my children are now DFs (16+ age group) and for the last 12 years or so I've been helping run our Pioneer group.

I love the opportunities Woodcraft offers for friendships outside the confines of school, and the cooperative spirit that we encourage and develop is really important.’

A close-up photo of a smiling middle-aged man with a shaved head and green eyes, wearing a light green t-shirt, sitting on a bus or train with a window showing trees and a fence outside.
A close-up photo of a smiling middle-aged man with a shaved head and green eyes, wearing a light green t-shirt, sitting on a bus or train with a window showing trees and a fence outside.